New traffic calming measures have been installed in the District of West Kelowna to aid in reducing the number of collisions at two of the municipality’s busiest intersections. Speed display signs have been installed on Glenrosa Road southbound, north of Webber Road, and on Old Okanagan Highway southbound, north of Quince Road.

Mayor Doug Findlater says West Kelowna Council is pleased to see traffic calming measures put to good use throughout the municipality.

“Curb extensions were placed on Vineyard Drive in the fall to slow motorists who were using the local street as a short cut over Mount Boucherie; and, this winter, the installation of speed reader boards serves as another strong indication of Council’s ongoing commitment to improve traffic safety in West Kelowna," says Findlater.

Mayor Findlater thanked ICBC for providing matching funds toward the purchase of the speed reader boards, which are valued at more than $14,000.

Westside-Kelowna MLA Ben Stewart commends ICBC and West Kelowna for working together on this important project.

"Speed reader equipment works to save lives by warning drivers to adjust their speed and avoid potential crashes or deaths. I’m glad our community leaders were able to work with ICBC to enhance the safety of our roads in West Kelowna.”

ICBC Director of Road Safety John Dickinson says the insurance corporation is pleased to invest in new speed reader boards in West Kelowna to help keep the community safe.

“Speeding is the leading cause of car crash fatalities in B.C. and when combined with the poor weather conditions at this time of year, dramatically increases your risk of crashing. Slow down and allow extra travel time so you arrive safely.”

West Kelowna Council asked municipal staff to purchase two speed reader boards and work with ICBC to identify appropriate locations for the signage.

The intersections of Glenrosa and Webber Roads and Old Okanagan Highway and Butt Road were identified as the highest collision intersections within the District of West Kelowna’s boundary.

Speed display boards were mounted on streetlamps at the approaches to these intersections earlier this winter and, after some initial testing, the solar-powered digital display equipment is expected to be fully operational this week.

The reader boards collect data to measure their ongoing effectiveness. As a means of further enforcing the speed limit, West Kelowna can consider asking RCMP to set up radar down from the speed reader boards.